Bad News for Republican Leadership: Alaskan Senator Stevens Convicted

Alaska Senator Ted StevensSenator Ted Stevens was convicted of corruption charges (of lying about receiving $250K in gifts) today which could not come at a worse time Republicans with the election just over a week away. I have no allegiance to any party, but this is just another example of how the behavior on the part of some Republicans is resembles the behavior of some (not all) Catholic priests or fanatical Christian ministers of recent years. They preach piety, purity, their ideals, etc. while they behave the opposite behind closed doors or in secret. It is pathetic and even more reason to always question the motives and sincerity of those who are preaching.

Senator Stevens was a powerful political figure in Alaska and served for 40 years (the longest serving Republican). With Senator Stevens' tainted image and the recent finding that Governor Palin wielded her authority to execute a personal agenda and influence the firing of her ex-brother-in-law, Alaska is not setting a very good example for ethical leadership by Republicans. Just because Alaska is one of the most remote states (and boasts the westernmost town in the 50 states; Adak, Alaska), do they think we are not going to notice (or that they can get away with it)? This opens the door for Democrats to potentially seize a Senate seat in Alaska which could bring them closer to their goal of securing a Democratic majority in the Senate.